[kartavya]

So it all started off when I decided it was high time we add another beast to our garage and use it more than we use the Skoda Octavia (2006) (will make another thread on the ownership review of this).

So we are planning to switch to one of the Volvo S80 D5 or BMW 3GT. We did initially consider the 3 series/S60/C but we felt that since my dad will spend more than 50% of the time in the rear seat, it would be best to go for Skoda Superb rather than playing more for a smaller car.

Considering my dad (he is 63) will use the car his main criteria is comfort (seats and ride).

When we visited the Volvo showroom we inquired about a demo car or a showroom piece. The next day we were told that they do have a January 2014 imported Volvo S80 D5 available in flamenco red. The obvious con to this is that it is the older version. However the new version only has cometic changes to the front grille and fog lamps and the TFT display (:(). Since this was a showroom piece he had it fitted with rear seat entertainment (I am told its worth 2.5 lakhs) as well.
After much bargaining the price we both arrived at was Rs.41.75 lakhs which included the extended warranty and a tyre replacement (one of it was slashed from the side).
Car wise it is basically a new car which has only done 120 kms (going back and forth to the garage from the showroom).

The other car we are considering is the BMW 3GT. A new one is costing us Rs.46 lakhs. The obvious advantages is the rear legroom but I found the seats without much thigh support. The frameless doors are beautiful and ofcourse the car looks better than the S80.

This is my final stop before I take delivery of either car and opinions here will affect our decision.

Just needed some expert opinion on both the cars/deals.

[JoseVijay]

Originally Posted by kartavya

.
This is my final stop before I take delivery of either car and opinions here will affect our decision.

Just needed some expert opinion on both the cars/deals.

As per your posts on other threads, I see that you have already finalised on the delivery of Volvo S80. BMW 3 GT is another great contender. So, what are the factors that led you to decide upon S80? What are those missing factors from BMW that you found in a Volvo? Would be very interested to know the comparison between the two beasts.

[kartavya]

Originally Posted by JoseVijay

As per your posts on other threads, I see that you have already finalised on the delivery of Volvo S80. BMW 3 GT is another great contender. So, what are the factors that led you to decide upon S80? What are those missing factors from BMW that you found in a Volvo? Would be very interested to know the comparison between the two beasts.

We are almost there to making a decision but thought we should ask BHP before taking the delivery (We could still go for either option).

Well right now both have their pros and cons. S80 D5 is a 60+ lakh car with extended warranty and rear seat entertainment (not useful to us really. It is a direct competitor to the 5 series and not the 3GT.

The 3GT is better looking than the S80, but lacks in the engine department and somewhat in the ride quality (Mind you we are upgrading from a 2006 car so everything seems excellent ). The perception is somewhat of an extended 3 but it makes up for that with the brand image of BMW over Volvo. We first went to see the 3GT and we found it amazingly comfortable but then when we sat in the S80 it was better than that as well. The seats were definitely more comforting and had great ergonomics.

Ofcourse the S80 is a January 2014 version, so has the older front grille and no TFT or daytime running lights. But I have been told and have researched that all the changes in the newer model are purely cosmetic. We do get an advantage of having leather over the dashboard which isn't the case in the new S80.

Another criteria is the price the S80 D5 comes at 41.75 lakhs and the 3GT at 46 lakhs.
We thought we had a decision made but its back to square as of today again . So probably going to go with what BHPians think ().

The 5 series, E class are coming to above 50 and that is just too much for us right now



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[.anshuman]

I'd pick none of the cars here, to be driven around my choice would be- the Audi A6, it has good discounts on it(depending on dealer stock). Comfortable back seat and Air-Suspension will definitely appeal to you. Plus it does not look a decade old, and has more snob value than the cars you mentioned here.

With the Audi A6, in long term you will get better after sales support and spares availability. The Volvo S80 is just too outdated now for a fresh purchase, it will not retain value anywhere close to the German trio.

[kartavya]

Originally Posted by .anshuman

I'd pick none of the cars here, to be driven around my choice would be- the Audi A6, it has good discounts on it(depending on dealer stock). Comfortable back seat and Air-Suspension will definitely appeal to you. Plus it does not look a decade old, and has more snob value than the cars you mentioned here.

With the Audi A6, in long term you will get better after sales support and spares availability. The Volvo S80 is just too outdated now for a fresh purchase, it will not retain value anywhere close to the German trio.

For various reasons (including Mom ) we din't consider the A6, plus it was coming to 50 even for lowest variant which was a bit out of budget considering we started out with 35 lakhs and would stretch to 41 for the S80 and 46 for 3GT. We din't particularly feel like paying 40 lakhs for the 3/S60 when we could get the S80 for around about the same price. So kind of left with these 2 options. Probably the 2 worst looking cars in the luxury segment .

[.anshuman]

^ I am not sure about prices in your state but here in NCR, of the current discounts i have seen, the A6 is available much cheaper than the 3 GT.

Around 5000 kms done, fresh registration in your name, A6 3.0 TDI Quattro Demo car is available with Audi Approved Gurgaon at asking price of around 45 OTR(IIRC). There are cheaper 2.0 TDI cars available.

[VSD]

If the choice is really between the two, I would suggest the Volvo. It has more space, more power and more comfort than what you will get in the 3GT. The German is more compact than S80 and back seat comfort isn't that great. If two broad people sit in the back, you will feel the lack of space. It does look quite good compared to the volvo though, specially the frame less doors and integrated boot spoiler.
Your other options could be a pre-owned car. There are many cars that are hardly driven for two years and they come up for sale in the used car market, sometimes in mint condition.

P.S. As anshuman suggested, A6 will be a good bet any day over these cars. I had received an email from a dealer in Delhi, mentioning prices around 40L for the A6 including 3 year benefits of service & insurance. Are the prices that high in your city?

[kartavya]

Originally Posted by .anshuman

^ I am not sure about prices in your state but here in NCR, of the current discounts i have seen, the A6 is available much cheaper than the 3 GT.

Around 5000 kms done, fresh registration in your name, A6 3.0 TDI Quattro Demo car is available with Audi Approved Gurgaon at asking price of around 45 OTR(IIRC). There are cheaper 2.0 TDI cars available.

Originally Posted by VSD

If the choice is really between the two, I would suggest the Volvo. It has more space, more power and more comfort than what you will get in the 3GT. The German is more compact than S80 and back seat comfort isn't that great. If two broad people sit in the back, you will feel the lack of space. It does look quite good compared to the volvo though, specially the frame less doors and integrated boot spoiler.
Your other options could be a pre-owned car. There are many cars that are hardly driven for two years and they come up for sale in the used car market, sometimes in mint condition.

P.S. As anshuman suggested, A6 will be a good bet any day over these cars. I had received an email from a dealer in Delhi, mentioning prices around 40L for the A6 including 3 year benefits of service & insurance. Are the prices that high in your city?

Well we did go to the Audi showroom but were quoted around 50 (we don't want to stretch to 50 honestly) for the 2.0 after discount (fresh piece). Initially as mentioned by Anshuman we did look into a demo car and there was a A6 and a 3GT from Audi here but considering our last Octavia (2006) was also a used car if not a demo Dad was hesitant to buy an already clocked car. Also a personal reason for not going for a demo was that he is already 63 and this might be his last self driven vehicle (whenever he does drive, which he loves to). Thats when the deal for Volvo came to our notice considering it had only made visits to the garage (120 kms) we decided we could shortlist this over the demo versions. I love Audi's but Mom doesn't () so that was also a point in not considering it.

So the only cars that eventually made the shortlist were Skoda Superb (31.5), S60 (40), 3 series (39), S80 D5 (2014, January) (41.5), 3GT (46).

Lack of rear space/ergnomics meants both S60 and 3 series we had to cancel out. The Superb has no discounts and has a 5 month waiting period () and at 31.5 lakhs we wanted to upgrade on the brand as well. So eventually back to 3GT and S80 D5 (2014,January).

Eventually when I decide to replace my car I will definitely go for a demo luxury car as those are the best deals. 3 is definitely on the top of my list for that


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[GTO]

I'm with Anshuman here. Wouldn't go with either of the cars you've shortlisted.

Can see you are inclined on the S80, but seriously, if you spend 40 lakhs, it should be a special ride. That is BIG money. The S80 isn't special. The car is also woefully outdated; the current gen has been in production since nearly 10 years!! That's older than most Marutis & all Hyundais currently on sale.

On top of that, you are paying 40 lakhs to buy an old 'old' car (that is, old stock).

For the same $$$ (or less), you can get a 1 - 2 year old Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5-Series, still within factory warranty. No risk bets, and superior to the S80 in every way. I'd recommend a nearly new Mercedes E-Class. Your Dad will love it.

On a related note, if you're ready to spend 40 lakhs on a Volvo, you obviously don't care about the badge, prestige etc. etc. Why not be smart and get a Superb, or wait for the new Passat (coming in 2015)? I fail to see how an S80 is better than them for backseat use.

[vb-saan]

I would suggest to stay away from the S80. Its into its 9th year, already looking terribly dated, and should be the next all-new model from Volvo after the new XC90.

As many suggested, the Skoda Superb looks to an ideal option. Its not a great looker, but looks infinitely modern compared to the S80. Another option you can think of its the Hyundai Santa FE. Brand name may not be desirable, but really a great car.

[GKR9900]

Hello Kartavya,
Let me add some more to the confusion :P As many have already suggested, I too would think twice about buying the S80. It's already a decade old car and looks the part too. I just can't imagine myself feeling special if I were to buy and travel in one. S80 isn't going to retain it's value a few years down the line, but neither will the 3 GT. It's a niche car in a niche segment. But it's going to fetch you better value(monetary and snob) than the S80...period!

Prioritising space and comfort, I would suggest waiting a few months as the new Passat, Superb, Accord are on their way. They (Superb especially) seem very promising indeed. You could also consider the Santa Fe or upcoming Endeavor.

If badge value is a major concern, I would consider the new C Class as well. Obviously, less space than the ones you've considered and ones I've suggested, but a special car in every other aspect. With CKD operations commencing this year, prices should lie in the 45-46L range. It is great to drive,and is also good to be chauffeured in. With a facelift due this year, A6 should be getting a few more discounts in its pricing. There are also rumors of an all new E class in the pipeline. If that's true, the current E is also going to see some major price-cuts.

Come to think of it, a B class really fits your requirements of space, comfort and badge value.

If the dilemma was strictly between the S80 and 3GT I would consider the Beemer. It's a really special brand and a really special car

[amansanc]

Let me add to your dilemma :P
Check out Volvo XC60 in case you don't mind a SUV. Currently has discounts of about 6-7 lakhs depending on the variants. So after discounts, it would cost less than a 3GT and is a much better car IMO. Looks great too.
All the best for the decision!


Cheers
amansanc

[kartavya]

Thank you for the amazing response, definitely got us thinking and after much delibration with dad yesterday, we have decided to see if our Audi/Mercedes dealer could hook us up with a demo car they or any showroom in India would want to sell.

We did look at the Superb but its a 5 month waiting period and honestly except the looks the S80 was better and we can't wait 5 months for a new car.

We have decided to drop the 3GT but still keep the S80 (Dad's a bit stuck on this one) as a 4th option behind a E/5/A6 demo car. I will try and specifically ask about the car Anshuman is referring to . Would have loved to get a new 5/E but considering we might have to upgrade our second car to a 3 or a XE (maybe next year), budget is tight around the 40 mark.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by kartavya

dealer could hook us up with a demo car they or any showroom in India would want to sell.

E/5/A6 demo car

Why are you drawn only to demo cars?

I would prefer a single-driver 10,000 kms car than a 100-driver 5,000 kms demo car.

Of course, if you get a demo, good. My point is: Also check out nearly new pre-owned cars.

[kartavya]

Originally Posted by GTO

Why are you drawn only to demo cars?

I would prefer a single-driver 10,000 kms car than a 100-driver 5,000 kms demo car.

Of course, if you get a demo, good. My point is: Also check out nearly new pre-owned cars.

Actually you make a great point there. A single car owner doing 10K would be better than a demo car which has been through different conditions just for the sake of it. I did see a 530d yesterday at the BMW used showroom but he quoted 50 lakhs for the 22k kms and 1 year old car.

I will inquire about new used cars as well